Weeks 25- 28

Week 25

Your baby will grow rapidly during this week and gain about half a pound. His brain and nervous system continue their rapid growth as they become more complex. By this time, rapid bone formation is occurring, requiring more calcium for bone development, especially during the third trimester. She is making breathing movements, but she would not be able to fully take in air at this point.

Week 26

Your baby is approximately 14 inches long and weighs 2-2.5 pounds. Babies will kick most frequently in the seventh month, usually at night and early morning. Her eyelids have opened. Her lungs are capable of breathing in air. The alveoli begin secreting "surfactant," which keeps them from collapsing. At this point, she is only taking in small breaths of fluid in the womb, but she could survive and breathe outside the womb with medical assistance.

Week 27

He has eyelashes on his eyelids, his eyes can move in their sockets, and he can tell light and dark, but he cannot discern specific objects yet. His senses are becoming fine-tuned and more responsive to light, sound, taste, smell, and touch. His skin is becoming smoother as body fat accumulates beneath the skin. His brain is developing further, and he can direct breathing movements.

Week 28

Your baby is approximately 14.5 inches long and weighs 2-2.5 pounds. Her bone marrow has taken over red blood cell production. Her eyes are opening and closing, and she is turning her head and practicing "looking" movements. She is very active, and movements can be felt inside and outside your abdomen throughout the day and night. The amount of movement varies but typically increases when you are sitting still or after a meal. The convolutions, wrinkles or "gyri" on the surface of the brain appear as it continues rapid growth and contains more brain cells.